BigCityChief
Member
The Shield in 9MM is a great pistol. Find a good instructor, train regularly, and enjoy your new pistol.
Am I crazy for buying a Shield?
- Thread starter lankox
- Start date
My first handgun was a M&P FS 9. Knowing what I know now... if I was going to Frontsight I'd want to take that gun (since then I've owned many different shapes and sizes).
I just think you will perform better with a full size and the better you perform the more encouraged you will be. I think that is very important in any new endeavor.
Best wishes with either decision!
edit: my second choice would be the compact.
I just think you will perform better with a full size and the better you perform the more encouraged you will be. I think that is very important in any new endeavor.
Best wishes with either decision!
edit: my second choice would be the compact.
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Protected One
Member
First, the Shield is NOT a sub-compact handgun....the Bodyguard .380 is.
I have owned one for a couple of years now and consider it the ideal concealed carry gun. Go ahead and make the purchase. You'll be glad you did.
Considering that most of us have been gun owners for a long time and the shield just came out a few years ago, it would be impossible for it to be our first gun, wouldn't it?
The op did not say if he intends to carry the gun, but presuming he does....training with a full-size gun would not be recommended unless that's what he will carry (most don't). Training is NOT to see how "well" one can perform with something that won't be used in the time of need. Better to know how he can perform with what he will actually be carrying, and thereby, know what he needs to improve upon.
I have owned one for a couple of years now and consider it the ideal concealed carry gun. Go ahead and make the purchase. You'll be glad you did.
Let me ask this of the folks here in this thread: Was a Shield anyone else's very first gun purchase?
No, I didn't think so.
Considering that most of us have been gun owners for a long time and the shield just came out a few years ago, it would be impossible for it to be our first gun, wouldn't it?
The op did not say if he intends to carry the gun, but presuming he does....training with a full-size gun would not be recommended unless that's what he will carry (most don't). Training is NOT to see how "well" one can perform with something that won't be used in the time of need. Better to know how he can perform with what he will actually be carrying, and thereby, know what he needs to improve upon.
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I have 3 AND WANT MORE.
I have worked on 1911's at two premier shops. I have shot hundreds of thousands of rounds through 1911's and Glocks. Carried a 1911 17 years everyday LEO. Carried Glocks 10 years.
Why do I have Shields when I know they are not perfect?
Because Glocks are not perfect and they ARE NOT MADE IN AMERICA
The Shield is the right size for me and I can play with it and work out the bugs eventually and get SW lined out? LOL
I have worked on 1911's at two premier shops. I have shot hundreds of thousands of rounds through 1911's and Glocks. Carried a 1911 17 years everyday LEO. Carried Glocks 10 years.
Why do I have Shields when I know they are not perfect?
Because Glocks are not perfect and they ARE NOT MADE IN AMERICA
The Shield is the right size for me and I can play with it and work out the bugs eventually and get SW lined out? LOL
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I can say that the Shield 9 was my first handgun (and first gun). I spent a lot of time researching this decision. For *me*, the thumb safety was a plus. This is a purchase primarily for CC, so size was an important consideration. The reputation of S&W, and my assurances that the gun would be supported long term, also played a role. No complaints at all with the gun ... I like it a whole lot. Being primarily designed for CC, I wouldn't have chosen the Shield for pure home defense, but it is accurate and will fulfill that purpose just fine. I think we need to keep in mind that the vast majority of self defense (CC) deployments will be at close range. A 3.1" barrel, in that context, seems plenty sufficient. I want to thank everyone on this site for such an inviting atmosphere. I've learned a lot from you all. For example, I recently bought a Blackhawk Serpa hoster, based on recommendations, and it's been awesome. Thanks!
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I just bought a Shield as my first gun last Thursday. I did so based on so many outstanding reviews, its proven accuracy and reliability, suitability for CC and on the recommendation of both my niece and nephew. As a result of buying the Shield I have joined this forum to soak up as much info as I can and I have not been disappointed, I might add.
rsrocket1
Member
From another CA, welcome. I would not personally recommend a Shield for this type of training unless you already have a lot of experience shooting it. Say you start to develop a nasty flinch halfway through the first day. The rest of the course will not be pleasant and it will be a bad experience.
I personally prefer to shoot 200 rounds in a session with my M&P 40 Fullsize over 200 in a setting with my Shield 9. 50 is a good number for practice a couple times a month.
I would strongly recommend a bigger gun to start with. If you are predetermined towards Glock, a 19 would be good. Too bad you can't get a M&P 9fs new in CA. It's a great feeling gun that shoots very well. I love shooting my M&P40 with the 9mm barrel and would not mind shooting that all day long. A SD9VE is a great bargain for the money and would be a good choice for lots of shooting @ about $200 less than a G19.
I personally prefer to shoot 200 rounds in a session with my M&P 40 Fullsize over 200 in a setting with my Shield 9. 50 is a good number for practice a couple times a month.
I would strongly recommend a bigger gun to start with. If you are predetermined towards Glock, a 19 would be good. Too bad you can't get a M&P 9fs new in CA. It's a great feeling gun that shoots very well. I love shooting my M&P40 with the 9mm barrel and would not mind shooting that all day long. A SD9VE is a great bargain for the money and would be a good choice for lots of shooting @ about $200 less than a G19.
I bought a 9mm Shield just before Christmas.
This was my first and, so far, only firearm. The Mrs. and I have been learning to use it at the range and feeling quite comfortable with it...So much so that she suggested we get her her own gun around birthday time, in April.
This brings up another point that I would like to hear some advise on.
The wife's only problem with the Shield is that she finds it difficult to rack the slide. Admittedly, she could do with some reps weight lifting, but that's not going to happen. I have been looking into this and was wondering what you folks knew about the Walthers CCP.
I haven't tried shooting this weapon yet, or even holding it, but from what I've read and seen on you tube, it think it might be perfect for the little woman.
I welcome your input...
This was my first and, so far, only firearm. The Mrs. and I have been learning to use it at the range and feeling quite comfortable with it...So much so that she suggested we get her her own gun around birthday time, in April.
This brings up another point that I would like to hear some advise on.
The wife's only problem with the Shield is that she finds it difficult to rack the slide. Admittedly, she could do with some reps weight lifting, but that's not going to happen. I have been looking into this and was wondering what you folks knew about the Walthers CCP.
I haven't tried shooting this weapon yet, or even holding it, but from what I've read and seen on you tube, it think it might be perfect for the little woman.
I welcome your input...
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I was a bit hesitant to get the shield but couldn't pass on a deal. I'm very impressed with it, so far I have no regrets and will say that it is probably one of the best fun guns to shoot and carry that I ever had.
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marinedoc69
Member
I've taken a lot of courses down through the years; some a day, some a full five day and everything in between. I see nothing wrong in taking a four day course in defensive handgun shooting with the weapon you will be carrying that may someday be called on to save your life. A couple of years ago I did a two day course using a 1911 .45 acp and one of the top shooters at the final qualification was an older gentleman using a small carry weapon. He obviously knew his pistol and performed admirably with it. I have started carrying my 9mm Shield as my daily carry weapon loaded with Federal HST 147 gr and am very comfortable, both physically and mentally carrying this weapon. In the past usually carried a pretty heavy 4 bbl 1911. And because of the extra weight often didn't carry. I'm not quite sure about this "manly" BS. Does this person carry a .44 Magnum with 6" bbl. Now that's a manly gun. If not, ask him why?
This is the same thing that happened with my wife and me, she couldn't rack the Shield (very petite). She ultimately chose an M&P 22 Compact. She found it very light, easier to rack and she became very proficient with it. You may want to consider renting one to see what your wife thinks.
Hope this is helpful.
Brien
Member
You should buy what feels good in your hands. Personal I like being able to wrap all my fingers around the grip. Even with my 9c, the smallest firearm I own, I have the finger extension on my mags.
rsrocket1
Member
Try this.
If you are right handed, hold the slide firmly with your left hand, then shove the frame of the gun forward with your right hand.
Your stronger hand is now working against the recoil spring with the web of your hand instead of your weak hand trying to pull it back while pinching the slide and worrying about having the slide bite your hand.
If you are right handed, hold the slide firmly with your left hand, then shove the frame of the gun forward with your right hand.
Your stronger hand is now working against the recoil spring with the web of your hand instead of your weak hand trying to pull it back while pinching the slide and worrying about having the slide bite your hand.
I just bought a Shield as my first handgun last week and even I initially had a problem racking the slide at first. Gaining more familiarity with the gun and watching some YouTube videos I learned that it is a case of technique more than strength. Here is one such video with a young woman teaching how to do it properly:
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSiOq_uvCmg[/ame]
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSiOq_uvCmg[/ame]
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Let me ask this of the folks here in this thread: Was a Shield anyone else's very first gun purchase?
No, I didn't think so.
Mine was. After moving here several years ago (I grew up with guns..but HG's were all wheel guns) I finally decided to get my CC as did my wife(a converted anti-gunner....I should get major points for that effort). We went through the class and shot many different calibers and types of HG. I chose the MP40 and she chose the 380 BG and the 642. I love it. Just snappy enough to keep me entertained but accurate as heck. The BG is a really good find too. I had heard a lot of negative but this little pocket pistol is right on. The 642 is just a great gun. I carry it most of the time and she has settled on the BG. But in answer to your question....yes...I did chose it first.
1-Go to corneredcat and read. Have her go there and read. She has advice on manipulating and choosing guns.
2-The woman is an adult. She picks her own guns.
Rastoff
US Veteran
I haven't read all the posts in this thread.
The Shield is as good a gun as any small gun, but it is small. Because of the small size, it is more difficult to handle than larger guns. Also, the gun will move more under recoil. This will give you blisters during the class.
I have watched other shooters take a Front Sight 4 day class with a Shield as a first gun; all have struggled. Can it be done? Of course it can. However, your first time experience will be better with a different gun.
I have been to Front Sight many times. I highly recommend getting another gun.
The Shield is as good a gun as any small gun, but it is small. Because of the small size, it is more difficult to handle than larger guns. Also, the gun will move more under recoil. This will give you blisters during the class.
I have watched other shooters take a Front Sight 4 day class with a Shield as a first gun; all have struggled. Can it be done? Of course it can. However, your first time experience will be better with a different gun.
The Shield will definitely survive the course and should last as long as any other service pistol.
I normally carry my m&p9c but I can shoot the shield as good as any gun I own honestly. Here is a video of me shooting a plate rack while moving backwards, shield is bone stock minus talon rubber grips.
87A3EF1B-A166-4C37-8629-9D5DEA0B1D78_zpsq567wh4q.mp4 Video by sickmak90 | Photobucket
I think a 9c would probably be a better choice but the shield is a good pistol. I HIGHLY recommend rubber talon grips for the shield, or any m&p for that matter.
I normally carry my m&p9c but I can shoot the shield as good as any gun I own honestly. Here is a video of me shooting a plate rack while moving backwards, shield is bone stock minus talon rubber grips.
87A3EF1B-A166-4C37-8629-9D5DEA0B1D78_zpsq567wh4q.mp4 Video by sickmak90 | Photobucket
I think a 9c would probably be a better choice but the shield is a good pistol. I HIGHLY recommend rubber talon grips for the shield, or any m&p for that matter.
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